Cancer research relies upon the participation of people like you! Sometimes this entails answering surveys, being interviewed, or engaging in focus groups. Other times it may involve an active role in the design of research questions, study information, or research design. We are proud to support projects that are different, innovative, and have real benefits for cancer patients and their loved ones around the world, by assisting researchers in recruiting participants to get involved in cancer research.
Here are the details for some current opportunities to get involved in research
Patient experience of symptoms, help-seeking and risk factors in lung cancer
Who is organising the research?
- Dr Georgia Black (Lead researcher) and Dr Sandra van Os (Researcher) in the Department of Applied Health Research at University College London.
What is the purpose of the study?
We want to find out about your experiences before, during and after your cancer diagnosis. We are particularly interested in the symptoms that you experienced, and how and when you sought medical help for these symptoms.
Who can take part?
- We are inviting men and women aged 19 or older.
- Specifically, we are looking for people who have been diagnosed with lung cancer in the last 3 months.
What does taking part involve?
- You will be asked to attend a one-to-one session with a researcher. This will either be in person at a local community venue or by telephone.
- At the start of the session, the researcher will answer any questions you might have. You will be asked to confirm that you are happy to take part. This will either be by signing a consent form in person, or by confirming verbally on the telephone that you are happy to go ahead (this will be audio-recorded). Your audio-recorded consent or paper consent form will be kept securely at UCL for ten years.
- During the interview you will be asked questions about the symptoms you experienced before you sought medical help, what made you seek medical help, and your experiences during and after your diagnosis. The researcher will also ask you about anything that may have helped you or made it more difficult for you to seek medical help.
- The researcher will take notes throughout the interview, and it will also be audio recorded, so that all ideas are documented.
- All notes will be anonymised and any details that could identify you will be removed.
- The interview will last up to an hour.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
- You will help us better understand patient experiences before, during, and after they are diagnosed with lung cancer. This will help us develop recommendations to diagnose lung cancer earlier and improve patient outcomes.
- Many people find it rewarding to know that they have made an important contribution to research.
How can you get involved?
- Contact Laura Tough by emailing laura.tough@taylormckenzie.co.uk
How is everyday memory and processing altered in patients with high-grade glioma after radiotherapy?
Who is organising the research?
- Francesca Mazzaschi – Cardiff University
What is the research about?
How is everyday memory and processing altered in patients with high-grade glioma after radiotherapy? You are being invited to take part in a study that is looking into the everyday memory and processing of patients receiving radiotherapy for high-grade glioma.
Who can take part?
Patients and their families and friends are invited to share their experiences and how they have been altered since undergoing radiotherapy.
Healthcare professionals are also invited to give an insight into their observations of the challenges faced by patients after receiving radiotherapy.
What does taking part involve?
You will be asked to complete an online survey which should take around 10 minutes to complete.
How can you get involved?
If you would like to take part or for more information please contact Francesca Mazzaschi at MazzaschiFI@cardiff.ac.uk
Exploring the impact that COVID-19 has had on the current and future support needs of people with cancer in Wales
Who is organising the research?
- Zoe Cooke – University of Wales Trinity Saint David
What is the research about?
The purpose of this study is to explore the impact that COVID-19 has had on the current and future support needs of people with cancer in Wales. We want to gain a better understanding of the impact of the pandemic, national lockdown and shielding advice and hope to identify ways to support those who need it most during this time and into the future. We would like to know whether you feel your support needs were met during this time and what type of support you feel is important as the pandemic continues.
Who can take part?
To take part in the study you must have a current diagnosis of cancer, be aged 18 or above and be receiving cancer care in Wales.
What does taking part involve?
This study involves completing an online questionnaire, three times over a six month period. We will be asking about your feelings about your cancer during this time. This will include, whether you feel your needs have been met, your general quality of life and what support you might need in the future. We would like to get as much insight as possible, into the lives of people with Cancer in Wales, during the pandemic.
How can you get involved?
Please click here to access the online study where you can read more about what is involved. Any additional questions please email zoe.cooke@uwtsd.ac.uk
Exploration of a New Self-Help Book for People Affected by Cancer
Who is organising the research?
- Emma Keenan – Cardiff University.
What is the purpose of the study?
Researchers at Cardiff University want to explore whether a new self-help book for people with cancer is experienced as a useful therapeutic tool by individuals with a diagnosis. The book has been developed by psychologists and a group of people affected by cancer. It includes information about how to cope with some of the physical and psychological changes that can occur after receiving a diagnosis of cancer. It also includes a range of strategies and exercises to try based on a psychological approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Who can take part?
Cardiff University are looking for individuals aged 18 and over with a diagnosis of any type of cancer to take part in this research.
What does taking part involve?
Participants will be asked to use the self-help book for one month. Participants will be contacted by the researcher at the beginning of this one-month period and again midway through to plan how to best use the book and to answer any questions. They will then be asked to take part in an interview lasting around 1-2 hours to share their thoughts and experience of using the book. Interviews will take place via telephone or video call.
How can you get involved?
- If you would like to take part in this study or would like more information, please contact Emma Keenan at keenane@cardiff.ac.uk
Online survey – Thinking styles after a cancer diagnosis
Who is organising the research?
- Sarah Beck at The University of Surrey
What is the purpose of the study?
People diagnosed with cancer can think about their illness in different ways. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the thinking styles people have after a cancer diagnosis and how these may influence their wellbeing and health. Findings from this study hope to inform ways in which we can better support those recently diagnosed.
Who can take part?
Those diagnosed with bowel, breast or prostate cancer (stage 1-3) within the previous 24 months. Aged over 18 and living in the UK.
What does taking part involve?
Participants will be asked to complete an online survey (15-20 minutes) involving questions regarding their thinking styles, health and wellbeing. Participants can sign up to receive a follow up questionnaire 3 and 6 months later
How can you get involved?
Please click here or email sarah.beck@surrey.ac.uk for more information
Other opportunities will be added all the time so please keep a look out here and on our social media for other ways you might be able to get involved.
